Sunday, March 6
Lent 1 Reflection Guide – When We Are Offered Shortcuts
Opening
Today we read the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. What do you think are the “Top 5” temptations that people would get challenged with today if they found themselves in a time of trial like Jesus was in this passage?
Scripture
Luke 4:1-13
While reading the passage, listen for all the things Jesus is tempted by and ask yourself how you would react to these temptations.
Scripture Reflection
While we often think of the temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness as earthly pleasures or frivolous desires, what Jesus is tempted by are the very tools he could use to help carry out the mission God gave him – feeding the hungry, ruling the nations, trusting in God. On their own, these temptations are not bad things, yet Satan offers a shortcut to each of them. While these shortcuts to fulfilling his mission would enable Jesus to skip the long journey ahead, accepting the temptations would also keep Jesus from the people he has been sent to serve. Jesus is called to work with and among people to bring God’s kingdom about authentically – one beloved person at a time. Jesus isn’t called to a life where things are handed to him. In this scripture, we see that true faithfulness says “No” to shortcuts and “Yes” to following God’s pathway, even when the road is rough.
Moment of Silent Reflection
Spend one full minute in silence as you consider the scripture and reflection.
Turn to Wonder
What stuck out to you the most from today’s scripture reading?
Why might it be important that the devil adds the conditional “If you are the Son of God…” to begin his temptations?1
We believe that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. Thus, these were actual temptations for Jesus (otherwise, Jesus would not fully understand temptation and be able to empathize with us). How are these three scenarios actual temptations for Jesus?
What might it mean that the devil tempts Jesus using Scripture passages?
Read Luke 4:1 and Luke 4:14. How did what happened in verses 1-13 enable Jesus to return “filled with the power of the Spirit”?
Closing
Close your time together in a manner that is typical for you. Consider sharing joys and prayer concerns, then close in prayer.
Holy One,
When the journey is long and winding, guide us.
When there are dangers along the way, guard us.
When we are tempted to lose faith, give us strength,
so that today and every day,
we can praise your name. Amen.
1The devil tempts Jesus at the heart of his identity.